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Free Online Learning Resource: Computer Graphics Courses

Want to learn how to create computer graphics? Or expand your knowledge of CG software and techniques? You may be interested in ACM SIGGRAPH's recently-launched program, "SIGGRAPH University."

A collection of video lectures from leaders in the field of computer graphics, SIGGRAPH University is available to the public at no cost. The current lectures (below) cover topics such as digital production pipelines, mobile game creation and OpenGL programming. All the lectures included in the inaugural SIGGRAPH University series are from the annual SIGGRAPH conference. In coming years, the program will expand to include educational video series and supplemental materials.

If you enjoy the lectures below, SIGGRAPH 2014 (the world's largest international conference and exhibition on computer graphics and interactive techniques) will take place between August 10 and 14 in Vancouver, Canada. Why not join us?

Video 1: Introduction to 3D Computer Graphics

This complimentary course, originally presented at the SIGGRAPH 2013 conference, covers the basics of 3D computer graphics in a friendly and visual way, without math or programming. The course is introductory level and it's mostly made up of live demonstrations. Presented by Andrew Glassner from The Imaginary Institute.

Video 2: The Digital Production Pipeline

This course, originally presented at the SIGGRAPH 2013 conference, explores the digital production pipeline for VFX studios. While post-production companies look to tighten budgets, minimize risk and broaden films' reach, there is no longer a standard operating procedure. Shorter schedules, and globalization are as disruptive to the digital pipeline today as non-linear editing and digital cameras were to their analog counterparts. This course examines digital pipelines, exposes a few of the methods that haven't changed for far too long, and takes a look at trends in production workflows that will allow studios to quickly adapt to these ever changing environments. Instructors include representatives from Sony Pictures Imageworks, PDI/Dreamworks, Method Studios, MPC and How to Make Good Pictures, LLC.

Video 3: Mobile Game Creation

This course, originally presented at SIGGRAPH 2013, covers the basics of mobile game development. Three free-to-use mobile game engines are introduced and explained, including an overall education on the possibilities, pipelines, pitfalls and general tips and techniques for mobile game creation. Game engines covered: Project Anarchy From Havok, Unity Game Engine From Unity Technologies, and Corona Game Engine From Corona Labs.

Video 4: An Introduction to OpenGL Programming

This course, originally presented at SIGGRAPH 2013, provides an accelerated introduction to programming OpenGL, emphasizing the most modern methods for using the library. In recent years, OpenGL has undergone numerous updates, which have fundamentally changed how programmers interact with the application programming interface (API) and the skills required for being an effective OpenGL programmer. The most notable of these changes, the introduction of shader-based rendering, has expanded to subsume almost all functionality in OpenGL. This course is presented by Edward Angel of the University of New Mexico and Dave Shreiner of ARM, Inc.